What is seen and unseen

Greetings,

I was reading a Scripture the other day that I cannot get out of my mind. Sometimes, I wonder why these scriptures come to mind. There is always a reason but I haven't completely figured this one out just yet...

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (47.4.16-18 NIV)

As I think about this passage my thoughts are focused on the last few words, "what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal". Interesting few words to think about aren't they? Tonight my wife and I attended our second prayer meeting at our new church and I was reminded of this passage yet again (hence why I'm posting about it). As I said, I am still connecting the dots but I thought I'd share a what I have so far...

Life can take many things from us and when they are gone, we tend to focus on why they were taken in the first place. When we do this we lose sight of what really matters, believing in what God may have for us. We lose heart and if we are not careful we can create an emptiness inside that will eat away at our very soul. What is in front of us matters so much we let the eternal promises Gods has given us fade way into the darkest parts of our heart. 

Our momentary troubles don't have to define who we are. The reality is, they don't really matter in the long run do they?  If we focus more on the eternal and on our relationship with the Father (the unseen), these momentary troubles (the seen) truly are only temporary. We can begin to open our eyes and gaze upon the big picture that God is painting all around us and can be encouraged, knowing that even though we may not see what He is doing, that he is doing something.

I have more to work though on this passage but for now I will leave you with this challenge...

Fix your eyes not on what is seen (temporary things), but on what is unseen (your faith journey).

Thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"

Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),

M.E.